Android Auto Not Working? How to Get It Connecting

When Android Auto does not work at all, the phone and the car are not completing their first handshake. The usual causes are a head unit that does not support it or has it switched off, a charge-only cable, a permission prompt that was missed on the phone, or a setting that blocks new cars. If it connects but then drops out, see Android Auto keeps disconnecting instead.

Check the car first

Does the head unit support Android Auto? Many older and Japanese import units do not. Some need it switched on in the settings menu.
Is it the right USB port? Some cars only run Android Auto from one port, often marked with a phone or data symbol.

Then the phone

Use a short data cable: a charge-only cable charges the phone but never starts Android Auto.
Unlock the phone on the first connection: and accept every permission prompt. If you dismissed one, disconnect and try again.
Allow new cars: open Android Auto settings and make sure adding new cars is switched on.
Update: Android Auto, Google Play services and the phone software.
Clear the cache: in Settings, then Apps, then Android Auto, clear the cache, then forget the car and connect again.
Turn off VPN and battery saving for Android Auto: both can stop it starting.

Wireless Android Auto

Wireless Android Auto needs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, and a phone and head unit that both support the wireless version. Pair over Bluetooth first, then accept the Android Auto prompt.

After an update

If it stopped the day the phone or app updated, clear the Android Auto cache and restart the phone. Occasionally an update has a bug that the next update fixes.

When the head unit is the problem

If two phones and two cables fail in the same car, the head unit or its USB wiring is the cause. Check for a firmware update. Many cars, including most Japanese imports, have no Android Auto at all, and a new head unit is the only way to get it. See Android Auto installation and Android Auto in NZ.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Android Auto not working in my car?

Usually the cable is charge-only, a permission prompt was missed, new cars are blocked in settings, or the head unit does not support Android Auto.

Why did Android Auto stop working after an update?

Clear the Android Auto cache, restart the phone and connect again. If that fails, the next app update often fixes it.

Does Android Auto work with a VPN?

A VPN can stop it connecting. Turn the VPN off in the car and try again.

Can I add Android Auto to a car that does not have it?

Yes. A new head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built in is the usual way.